Ford Foundation Program Officer Job in Kenya

In its 76th year of global leadership in philanthropy, the Ford Foundation seeks a dynamic, creative and innovative individual to serve as its:

Program Officer, Public Service Media in East Africa

Based in Nairobi, the Program Officer will develop and manage a portfolio of grants focused on advancing public service media in East Africa. 

The program goals are to foster debate and dialogue, increase awareness of the media as instrument for exploring social justice issues, and enhance public access and contributions to targeted campaigns as well as to assist in the emergence of an independent, journalistic and storytelling community committed to social justice content. 

The initiative promotes the public media sphere as a platform to give voice and visibility to the marginalized, and to add diverse perspectives to everyday struggles for social change. 

A principal focus of grant making is to encourage the development of content furthering the goals and work of Ford’s broader East Africa field office strategy which focuses on “Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy”. 

The Program Officer will review existing lines of work; formulate, implement and monitor grant making strategies; maintain relations and consult with leaders in civil society, the media, research institutes, governments and other funders; and promote coordination and learning among key stakeholders.

Criteria for Success: 

Ideal candidates will have substantive knowledge of the media field in East Africa and its potential to drive social change at scale; significant professional experience working to advance development/social change through diverse platforms in the media, public or NGO sectors; understanding of the role, power and likely impact of digital innovation and social media in the emerging new media landscape.

Ideal candidates will also possess vision; capacity to conceptualize program ideas/strategies and translate them into practice; and demonstrated creativity, analytical and organizational skills. 

Also required are an advanced degree in journalism, media, development, the social sciences or public policy; excellent written/oral communications skills; and strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work with those with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

For more information and to apply: Please visit our website at:

www.fordfoundation.org/employment